The course agenda was thoughtfully structured, covering a range of critical topics. On the first day, international experts shared their insights on modeling earthquakes, floods, and landslides. The second day of training delved into modeling fires and climate change, assessing the vulnerability of buildings to different types of disasters, and the selection of suitable models for vulnerability measurement and infrastructure network analysis. The third and final day focused on understanding the social consequences and damages resulting from disasters, the metrics used for disaster risk measurement, and an in-depth exploration of the disaster damage calculation platform. A computerized program was demonstrated, illustrating how material and human losses can be computed for specific disaster scenarios.

This training initiative aligns with the preparations for Work Package 3 within Tomorrow's Cities - Nablus project. The first package centered on gathering the future visions of residents and translating these visions into maps. The second package was dedicated to crafting scenarios and validating that the prepared maps align with the community's aspirations. As for the third package, it zeroes in on risk modeling and assessment, fostering a deeper understanding of these risks and facilitating the calculations associated with them.

The ultimate aim of enhancing the capabilities of individuals through this training is to bolster the preparedness of areas slated for urban expansion, with a focus on preventing issues in new development rather than rectifying problems in existing areas. The objective is to offer future generations guidance and a roadmap for making informed decisions on how and where to build, ensuring our children face fewer risks.

This forward-looking course underscores the commitment of An-Najah National University and its partners in Tomorrow's Cities Project to building resilient and sustainable urban environments while mitigating risks that communities may encounter in the future.